‘Boris Johnson said I could’: Woman stopped by police on Welsh beach claims she thought it was in England
'Tomorrow we going to an English beach. F*** you Wales you bunch of b*******,' woman says on social media post
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
An English woman who was told by police her family could not lounge on a beach in Wales said she did not know Wales was not in England, and criticised officers in a foul-mouthed rant on social media.
The woman drove 100 miles from the west midlands to Gwynedd beach in Barmouth last Wednesday, but was angered after police told her she had to leave, reported Welsh newspaper The Daily Post.
Under new coronavirus lockdown rules in England, people can drive unlimited distances to beauty spots in the country for exercise and sunbathing as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines and return home on the same day.
However, the same rules do not apply in Wales, where people have been told to stick to the “stay home” guidance and not to make non-essential trips.
In a video she posted on social media, the unnamed woman can be heard accusing officers of upsetting her child and asking: “You’re telling me it’s illegal to be at this beach when Boris Johnson said that you can?”
The officer replies: “We’re telling you it’s different in Wales than it is in England.”
“Right, so what beach can I go to then today?” she asks. She is then informed she cannot go to any beaches in Wales.
Later that day, the woman reportedly admitted on social media that she “didn’t realise Wales wasn’t in England”, but still took issue with the country’s lockdown rules.
“Fully understand I was in the wrong. See I admit when I f*** up,” she wrote.
“But tomorrow we going to an English beach. F*** you Wales you bunch of b*******. No f***** was even there locals lined up waiting.
“Come on it’s me I don’t do rules,” she added.
North Wales Police reminded the public of the lockdown rules in Wales on bank holiday Monday, tweeting: “Restrictions remain more stringent in Wales. Our tourist attractions, parts of the national park, pubs, cafes and holiday parks all remain closed.
“Our focus continues to be to reassure, inform and engage and once again we are out and about today. Please stay home.”
The Independent has contacted North Wales Police for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments